Your bridesmaids are there to help you throughout the wedding drama because, let’s face it, drama sucks. However, it can be way too easy to forget that your bridesmaids were your friends first! Keep relationships intact by following these simple steps to keep your bridesmaids happy.
1. Dresses
While you may have a particular dress style in mind, it’s important to remember that not all body types are alike. A strapless gown may look good on some women, but others in your bridal party might not be comfortable with that style.
In the interest of fairness and keeping your bridal party happy, let your bridesmaids know the color and length you expect but allow them free reign otherwise to choose a dress that works for them. Your bridal party deserves to feel beautiful, too!
Additionally, make sure that those who are strapped for cash are not expected to shell out hundreds of dollars for a gown they’ll probably only wear once. Let them spend what they can afford and don’t worry about it!
2. Delegate Responsibly
Weddings are hard work, but it’s important to remember that your bridesmaids have lives outside your wedding planning, too. Those with families or a heavy workload may not be able to drop everything to help you with simple tasks.
In order to keep things even, assign responsibilities to each bridesmaid in a way that makes your life (and theirs!) as easy as possible. Remember, you have family members who can help too! Don’t expect your bridesmaids to do everything.
3. Make it Manageable
While you’re delegating responsibilities, think about the tasks you’re asking and whether it’s absolutely necessary. If you wouldn’t do it for one of them, don’t expect them to do it for you!
Come up with a gameplan the day of the wedding so everyone knows what they are supposed to do. Becoming “Bridezilla” and cracking down on your bridal party is a sure way to breed resentment. Remember, you want to keep being friends with these ladies after the wedding is over, so treat them well!
4. Remember, Friends First
Your bridesmaids are happy to help you throughout your wedding, but it’s important to get together and talk about things other than the big day! When you get together with your gal pals, make it a point to talk about their lives and catch up. These are your friends first and foremost, so do your best to remember that.
Keeping your bridesmaids happy is absolutely essential in order to keep relationships intact long after the wedding has ended. If you follow these steps and treat your bridal party with respect and fairness, you’ll be able to make it through with friendships intact.
